Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock has long been one of the most popular retail destinations in the South East of England. But beyond the fashion, the flagship stores and the buzzing atmosphere, there is another reason to make a day of it: the food. With more than 50 places to eat and drink spread across the centre, whether you are after a quick coffee between shops, a sit-down lunch with friends, or a leisurely dinner before the drive home, Lakeside has more than enough to satisfy.
The dining offer here has evolved considerably in recent years. Alongside the familiar names that draw the crowds, there is a growing selection of more exciting independent-spirited concepts, international cuisines, and elevated casual dining options that make Lakeside a genuinely compelling place to eat, not just shop. Here is a closer look at some of the standout spots to try on your next visit.
For a proper sit-down meal
If you are looking for a relaxed, restaurant-quality experience, Wagamama remains one of the most dependable choices at Lakeside. The pan-Asian menu covers ramen, curries, and rice dishes drawn from Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian cooking traditions, and the open-plan kitchen and communal bench seating give it an energy that suits a lively shopping day perfectly. It is particularly well-suited to groups where everyone wants something slightly different.
For something with a bit more theatre, TGI Fridays delivers the full American diner experience: generous portions, a lengthy cocktail list, and a lively atmosphere that makes it a popular choice for family celebrations and catch-ups alike. The burgers and ribs are the obvious draws, but the loaded sharing starters are worth ordering early.
Italian options are well represented in places to eat at Lakeside, with ASK Italian, Bella Italia, Prezzo, and Zizzi all offering their own take on pasta, pizza, and antipasti. ASK Italian tends to appeal to those who want something a step above fast casual, with a menu that leans into regional Italian dishes and a wine list that rewards lingering. Zizzi, meanwhile, does a particularly good job of catering to dietary requirements, with a wide range of vegan and gluten-free options clearly signposted.
For something further afield in culinary terms, Las Iguanas brings the flavours of Latin America to the lakeside with its vibrant menu of tacos, burritos, ceviche, and cocktails. The restaurant's colourful interiors and long bar make it a natural choice for early evening visits, and the bottomless brunch offer on weekends draws a dedicated following.
Afrikana is one of the more interesting additions to the Lakeside dining mix. The Birmingham-born restaurant group has built a loyal following for its West and East African-inspired grill menu, which centres on marinated chicken cooked over charcoal, alongside suya-spiced skewers, jollof rice and plantain. It is a genuinely distinctive option in a landscape where international cuisines are still finding their footing in out-of-town retail environments.
For the burger lovers
The burger scene at Lakeside is genuinely competitive. Five Guys is, by now, a well-established benchmark for freshly made, customisable burgers and hand-cut fries, and the Lakeside location is consistently busy for good reason. Gourmet Burger Kitchen takes a slightly more refined approach, with British beef patties and a menu that changes with the seasons. For those who want something a little more indulgent, Sides, the restaurant brand co-founded by YouTube personality W2S, leans hard into loaded chicken wings, burgers, and thick shakes, and has quickly established itself as one of the more talked-about newer openings at the centre.
Elsewhere, German Doner Kebab offers a more elevated take on the traditional doner, using premium cuts of meat and freshly baked bread, while Popeyes has brought its Louisiana-inspired fried chicken to Lakeside to considerable fanfare. Nando's remains the evergreen crowd-pleaser, where the familiar ritual of choosing your heat level and loading up on bottomless sides holds a particular appeal for families.
For quick bites and lighter fare
Not every visit to Lakeside calls for a full sit-down meal, and the centre is equally well equipped for those who simply want to refuel between stores. Chipotle Mexican Grill has made a strong impression since opening at Lakeside, offering its customisable burritos, bowls, and tacos at speed without compromising on freshness. Tortilla operates a similarly streamlined burrito model, and both are ideal for a quick, satisfying lunch that does not demand too much time away from the shops.
For Japanese-inspired food on the go, Wasabi and You Me Sushi both offer sushi, bento boxes, and hot dishes at a brisk pace, while Chopstix Noodle Bar and Coco Asia cater to those in the mood for noodles and Asian street food without a lengthy wait. Maki and Ramen rounds out the Asian options with a more focused menu built around ramen bowls, making it worth seeking out for a warming, flavour-packed lunch.
Brick Lane Bagel Co. brings a slice of East London's famous bagel culture to Essex, stuffing its freshly baked rings with generous fillings ranging from classic smoked salmon and cream cheese to hot salt beef. It is one of those spots that rewards the slightly longer queue.
For coffee and sweet treats
The coffee offering at Lakeside covers the major players, with Costa Coffee, Starbucks, and Caffe Nero all represented. For something a touch more distinctive, Cafe Giardino offers a relaxed continental cafe feel, making it a pleasant spot to pause mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
The sweet tooth contingent is very well catered for at Lakeside. Creams Cafe is the destination of choice for elaborate sundaes, waffles, and crepes, while Amorino serves its distinctively petal-shaped gelato in a wide range of flavours. Krispy Kreme needs little introduction, and its doughnut counter at Lakeside draws a reliable queue at weekends. For those in the bubble tea camp, there are choices between Bubbleology, Bubble CiTea, and Bubble Magik, which tells you something about how seriously the centre takes the format.
Ben's Cookies and Millie's Cookies both operate their familiar walk-past-and-smell-it model with great effect, while Love Churros and Mr Pretzels add a fairground warmth to the food-on-the-go section of the centre. Mowchi, the mochi ice cream specialist, is worth a visit for something a little more unusual.
For a touch of luxury
Perhaps the most unexpected entry on the Lakeside dining map is the Harrods Champagne Bar. The presence of the iconic Knightsbridge name at an out-of-town shopping centre might raise an eyebrow, but it works. The bar offers a curated selection of champagnes and wines alongside light bites, and provides a genuinely elevated option for those who want to mark a special occasion or simply elevate the experience of a shopping trip. It is the kind of place you might not expect to find here, which is precisely what makes it worth visiting.
Casco Lounge offers another layer of calm amid the bustle, with its relaxed all-day menu and comfortable surroundings making it a natural choice for those who want to slow things down without leaving the centre entirely.
Planning your visit
Lakeside is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 9 pm, Saturday from 9 am, and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. The dining offer spans the entire centre, with a concentration of restaurants around The Lake area, where outdoor seating by the water makes warm-weather lunches particularly appealing. Whether you are treating the food as a reward at the end of a long day of shopping or building your visit around a meal, there is enough variety here to satisfy most appetites and most budgets.
